Adjustably Weighted Leg/Arm Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

An adjustably weighted exercise device comprises a wrap or sleeve with pockets for selectively receiving weight bars, each pocket having an access opening via which a weight bar may be inserted into that pocket, the access opening being at a location spaced from the ends of the pocket such that the weight bar is longer than the length of a bottom portion of the pocket extending from the access opening to the bottom of the pocket. An elastic section at the upper edge of the access opening permits the upper portion of the pocket to be stretched to receive and retain the upper portion of the weight bar. The number of pockets is maximized to enhance weight adjustability by providing the pockets in plural compartments, the compartments being located in two transversely spaced columns.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/119,823 entitled “Adjustably Weighted Leg/Arm Exercise Device”, filed Dec. 23, 2008. The disclosure of this provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention pertains to exercise devices of the type that can be adjustably weighted and secured about the leg of a person. Although the preferred embodiment described and illustrated herein pertains to such a device as worn on the lower leg of a person, it will be readily understood that the principles of the invention apply equally to devices worn on the person's forearm.

2. Discussion of the State of the Art

It is known to provide selectively weighted exercise devices that are worn about the ankle or wrist of a person. An example of such a device that is worn about one's ankle is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,183 (Winston); an example of another such device that is worn about one's wrist is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,891 (Winston). The disclosures in those patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Although these devices function quite well for their intended purposes, there is room for improvement. For example, the devices are typically worn about a person's ankle or wrist and contain several pockets into which weighted bars may be selectively inserted. The presence of the devices on only the ankle or wrist limits its use as well as the number of weights that it can carry. For example, for rehabilitation after leg fractures, tendon and muscle pulls or strains, for enhancing bone density to prevent osteoporosis, for strengthening legs for certain activities such as hockey, soccer and football, and for treadmill exercises to enhance resistance, it is desirable and beneficial that the weighted device be worn about the person's forearm or shin. Likewise, training and exercise for certain sports, such as soccer, hockey, etc., benefit from leg weights as opposed to ankle weights.

The weight receiving pockets of the prior devices are open at their upper ends and a flap is provided to prevent inadvertent removal of a bar from a pocket, particularly during vigorous exercise activities. Under some conditions it is possible for the flap of some prior art units to open, thereby leaving the upper end of the pockets exposed, permitting a weighted bar to fall out of its pocket during vigorous exercise.

It is desirable, therefore, to provide a device that is more suitable for being worn on the lower leg or forearm and that also has more reliable means for maintaining the weighed bars in the pocket.

It is known in the prior art to provide exercise devices in the form of weighted sleeves or bands that are adapted to be worn about the forearm or shin of a person. Examples of such devices may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,241,833 (Waller), 4,330,120 (Netti), 4,905,991 (Alston), 5,514,056 (Ronca et al) and 6,213,920 (Ronca et al). These devices either lack weight adjustability, or sufficient gradations of such adjustability, or do not account for properties such as maintaining user comfort and safety when in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention an adjustably weighted leg exercise unit is adapted to cover either all or most of the lower leg (or forearm). The preferred embodiment is in the form of a wrap that is disposed about the limb and closed securely by straps, or the like. Alternatively the unit can take the form of a sleeve that slips on over the foot (e.g., like a long sock without a foot portion) and is held in place by elastic bands or elasticized edges.

The unit includes four compartments having pockets with openings on the interior (i.e., facing the leg of the wearer) surface of the unit. Each compartment has five side-by-side weight-receiving pockets covered by a common flap that includes a closure arrangement, such as a hook and eye closure (e.g., Velcro) to maintain the flap in place in its closed position. The pockets are elongated to receive the correspondingly elongated weighted bars. A bar is inserted into a pocket through a small access opening that, instead of being at the end of the pocket, is provided a short distance from the upper end of the pocket. The bar may be inserted through that access opening and downwardly into the pocket. When the lower portion of the bar is fully inserted into the lower section of the pocket, the upper section of the pocket above the access opening may be stretched over the top of the weighted bar so that the top of the bar can be forced under and extend into the upper section of the pocket beyond the access opening. In this position the upper portion of the bar is covered by the upper section of the pocket and is securely prevented from moving out of the pocket.

The compartments are arranged in two columns, each disposed along a respective side of the wearer's leg when the unit is deployed on the lower leg. The flap for each compartment is cushioned to protect the user's leg from injury from the weights during exercise activities.

The flaps are neoprene-covered and the bands are made of neoprene with velvet soft material against the wearer's skin for providing friction free smoothness as well as warmth against the leg to both protect musculature and the limb with the warmth and smoothness.

The above and still further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following definitions, descriptions and descriptive figures of specific embodiments thereof wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components. While these descriptions go into specific details of the invention, it should be understood that variations may and do exist and would be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the descriptions herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is view in perspective showing the interior surface of preferred embodiment of a leg weight exercise unit with two cover flaps of the weight receiving compartments open according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of a portion of the interior surface of the unit of FIG. 1 showing the cover flaps of the weight receiving compartments in different positions.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view in perspective of the four weight receiving compartments of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view in perspective of a portion of a weight receiving compartment of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view in perspective of an end portion of the interior surface of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view in perspective of the center section of the interior surface of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a view in perspective of two weight receiving compartments and an end section of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B is a view in perspective of one weight receiving compartment of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view in perspective of the weight receiving compartment shown in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 9 is a further detailed view in perspective of the weight receiving compartment shown in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view in perspective showing the interior surface portions of a section having two vertically aligned weight receiving compartments with the cover flap of one compartment open and the cover flap of the other compartment closed.

FIG. 11 is a view in perspective of a portion of the exterior surface of the weight receiving and center sections of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a view in perspective showing the exterior surface of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view in perspective showing the entireties of the interior surface of a section having the two vertically aligned weight receiving compartments of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is another view in perspective showing the exterior surface of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15A is a schematic view in plan of the exterior surface of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15B is a schematic view in plan of the interior surface of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a weighted bar used in the weight container sections of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a view in transverse section of the weighted bar of FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed explanations of the drawings and of the preferred embodiments reveal the methods and apparatus of the present invention. As used herein, “horizontal” and “vertical” refer to the orientation of the unit described herein when worn on a leg or arm at rest. In that regard, the length and horizontal dimensions of the wrap unit described herein are the same dimension, and the width and vertical dimensions of the unit are likewise the same dimensions.

Referring to the attached drawings in greater detail, the exercise device or unit of the present invention is in the form of an elongated wrap including an interior surface (FIGS. 1-10, 13 and 15B) and an opposite exterior surface (FIGS. 11, 12, 14 and 15A). When the device is worn during exercise, the interior surface faces and abuts the wearer's leg, and the exterior surface faces away from the leg. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 14, the device includes a first end having first and second closure bands or straps 11, 12 and an opposite second end including third and fourth closure bands 13, 14. Proceeding horizontally or lengthwise intermediate the two ends, the device includes: a first weight container section including vertically adjacent weight receiving compartments 15, 16, each connected at its distal horizontal end to a respective closure band 13, 14; a second weight container section including vertically adjacent weight receiving compartments 17, 18, each connected at its distal end to a respective closure band 11, 12, and an intermediate or center section 19 disposed between the two weight container sections. The exposed outer surface of each of compartments 15, 16 has a respective lengthwise or horizontally extending Velcro strip 45, 46 (FIGS. 11, 12, 14) secured thereto to mate with Velcro pads 21, 22 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5) disposed on the inner surface of the distal ends of closure bands 11, 12, respectively. When the device is wrapped about the lower leg of the wearer, the interior surface of the device is placed around the wearer's lower leg and the closure bands are tightly pulled, with bands 13, 14 disposed interiorly of bands 11, 12. Velcro pads 21, 22 are thereby enabled to mate with the Velcro strips 45, 46.

The weight compartments 15, 16, 17, 18 are substantially identical and are arranged in two vertical or widthwise extending columns of two, each column oriented to be disposed along a respective side of the wearer's shin when the unit is deployed on his/her lower leg. The compartments each have weight receiving pockets 30 with weight receiving openings on the interior surface of the unit. More specifically, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 7-10 and 13, each compartment has five vertically elongated weight receiving pockets 30 arranged in parallel side-by-side adjacency and covered by a common flap 31 pivotally attached by a sewn seam, or the like along the upper edge of the compartment. Flap 31 is biased downward to overlie the pockets 30 in a closed position and includes closure retention arrangement, such as Velcro, to maintain the flap in place in its closed position. In this regard, each flap 31 has a Velcro strip 32 secured at the distal end of its underside and positioned to mate with a Velcro strip 33 sewn onto the three middle pockets 30 of the compartment. In the closed position of the cover flap 31 the pockets are covered and inaccessible. In the open position of the flap the pockets are both visible and accessible.

The pockets 30 are elongated to receive correspondingly elongated weight bars 50 shown in FIGS. 16, 17. A weight bar 50 may be inserted into a pocket 30 through a small access opening 34 that, instead of being at the end of the pocket, is provided in the pocket wall a short distance below the upper end of the pocket. The bar is longer than the bottom portion of the pocket that extends below opening 34. The bar may be inserted through that access opening 34 and downwardly into the pocket. When the lower portion of the bar is fully inserted into the lower section of the pocket, a resilient upper section of the pocket wall defining the top of the access opening 34 may be stretched over the top of the weighted bar so that the top of the bar can be pushed under and extend into the upper section of the pocket above the access opening. In this position the upper section of the bar is covered by the upper section of the pocket wall and is prevented from inadvertently moving out of the pocket.

As described, the pockets 30 are configured with upper and lower portions separated by opening 34 for weight bar insertion instead of single portion with an open top for receiving weight bars. The weight bar 50 fits under top portion of the pocket above opening 34 and is held longitudinally tight by the ends of the pocket to prevent dislodging. The lower pocket portion has a gusset to permit sideways outward expansion by the inserted weight bars, and the top portion has sufficient resilient “give” to permit the weight bar to be inserted as described.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, weight bar 50 is configured as a semi-cylinder having rounded ends with one side 52 substantially flat and the other side 54 arcuate throughout the length of the bar. When the bar is placed in a pocket 30, its flat side faces access opening 34 and therefore faces the leg of the wearer. Any forces exerted by the bar against the wearer's leg are thus distributed along the large substantially rectangular area contact that abuts the leg through the pocket material rather than the smaller contact area of the limited apex portion of the curvature of the bar that would be forced toward the leg if the position of the bar were rotated by 180°. The distribution of the force over the larger area of flat side 52 of bar 50 reduces pressure at any one location along the leg that might result from bar movement toward the leg. Typically, at least twenty weight bars 50 are provided with each device, one bar for each of the twenty pockets. The device may be used during exercises with some or all of the pockets having a bar inserted therein, depending on the nature and level of exercise. The bars typically weigh ¼ pound each; however, heavier and lighter weights may be used.

Intermediate section 19 of the unit is preferably positioned to be disposed along the wearer's shin when the unit is deployed. Accordingly, the two columns of weight compartments are disposed primarily along the sides of the leg, and the wrap opening is disposed at the back of the leg. Center section 19 is cushioned to further protect the leg. The cover flap 31 associated with each compartment is also cushioned so as to further protect the user's leg from injury from the weights during exercise activities.

In the preferred embodiment, the compartments 15, 16, 17, 18 are made from 600 denier nylon. Intermediate section 19 is made of nylon-covered foam with non-skid attachments 41, in the form of horizontally extending and vertically spaced stripes of soft high friction material, to help maintain the device positionally stable on the wearer's leg during exercise. Straps 11, 12, 13, 14 are made of neoprene that is stretchable to accommodate and hold weights securely in place when the straps close the device around the wearer's leg. The bindings around the edges of the device are made of stretch Lycra to elastically secure the device to the leg for different size/shape legs. PVC backing is used in the pockets to additionally positionally stabilize the weight bars and limit movement. The flaps 31 are made of velvet and neoprene with a Lycra binding; the velvet serves as a cushion and avoids rubbing friction. The neoprene covered flaps have foamed cushioning under the neoprene to form a cushioned pad that rests against the wearer's leg. This provides additional protection for long shaft bones and musculature.

Although the device as disclosed in the preferred embodiment has four closure straps 11, 12, 13, 14, two at each end of the device, it will be appreciated that only two straps, one at each end may suffice for different units, particularly smaller units. Also, as noted above, instead of taking the form of a wrap, the device may be made as a continuous sleeve having elasticized ends to secure the unit in place on a limb, and may also include another elastic band at the middle of the unit.

As mentioned above, the device may be configured for use on a wearer's forearm. The arm units have the weight bars positioned on the upper portion of the forearm. As noted, the leg unit has the weight bars on the front and back of the leg, the cushioned center rests on the inner side of the leg, and the straps close on the outer side of the leg.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic drawings showing the exterior and interior surfaces, respectively, of a unit similar to that described above and serve as a basis for describing exemplary or typical dimensions for an exemplary unit. Referring to these drawings, the following dimensions are typical:

-   -   Vertical height of overall unit—8.37″     -   Horizontal length of center section 19—14.5″     -   Horizontal length of closure bands 13, 14—5.9″     -   Horizontal length of closure bands 11, 12—7.9″     -   Vertical height of closure bands—3.9″         It must be stressed that these dimensions are provided as a         frame of reference for a particular embodiment and are not         intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention.

The invention as described has several advantages over prior art arm and leg weights. One such advantage is the provision of at least twenty weight receiving pockets that permit a user of the device to gradually increase or decrease the total weight in twenty-one steps as needed for different types and levels of exercise. This advantage is achieved in part by configuring the device to fit on most of the lower leg or forearm rather than being limited to the ankle or wrist area of the wearer, and by arranging the weight receiving pockets in two columns of two compartments, spaced on opposite sides of the leg, with five pockets in each compartment.

Another advantage is the configuration of the unit so that it may be safely and comfortably used. This is achieved by the fact that the flaps are neoprene-covered and the bands are made of neoprene with velvet soft material arranged to be in contact with the wearer's skin for providing friction free smoothness as well as warmth against the leg to both protect musculature and the limb.

Another advantage of the invention is the enhanced retention of the weight bars in the weight receiving pockets. Specifically, in addition to cover flaps 31 which are conventionally used to cover weight receiving pockets, the present invention provides for insertion of the weight bars through access openings 34 located below the upper end of the pocket. The weight bar 50 is longer than the bottom portion of the pocket that extends below opening 34. The elastomeric upper edge of the pocket opening 34 permits the weight bar to be inserted such that the top portion of the bar is covered by the top portion of the pocket and held in place by the elastomeric upper edge of the pocket forcing the bar laterally against the rear wall of the pocket. Since weight bar 50 is longer than the length of the bottom portion of the pocket and is retained in the upper portion of the pocket, the bar cannot inadvertently become disengaged from the pocket.

The unit may be employed over the dorsal muscles or volar aspect of the forearm, or on the muscles behind long shaft bones.

Having described preferred embodiments of new and improved adjustably weighted leg/arm exercise device, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. An adjustably weighted device to be worn on a limb such as a leg or arm of a person comprising: a wrap or band unit having a lengthwise dimension configured to encircle and abut said limb; at least two weight container sections spaced lengthwise along said unit, each weigh container section including at least two compartments arranged in a column extending along a width dimension of the unit; at least one row of plural side by side weight receiving pockets located in each of said compartments, said pockets being elongated in said width dimension; and plural weight bars configured to be received and retained in said pockets.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein each pocket has an access opening via which a weight bar may be inserted into that pocket, said access opening being at a location spaced from the ends of the pocket such that the weight bar is longer than the length of a bottom portion of the pocket extending from the access opening to the bottom of the pocket.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein each pocket includes an elastic section at the upper edge of said access opening to permit the upper portion of the pocket to be stretched to receive and retain the upper portion of the weight bar.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein each compartment includes a cover flap pivotable along the upper edge of the compartment between an open position in which the pockets in the compartment are exposed and accessible and a closed position in which the pockets in the compartment are covered and inaccessible.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein portions of the wrap in contact with said limb are made from velvet soft material to minimize friction and provide warmth in the contacted limb area.
 6. An adjustably weighted device to be worn on a limb such as a leg or arm of a person comprising: a wrap or band unit having a lengthwise dimension configured to encircle and abut said limb; a plurality of weight receiving pockets disposed on said unit, said pockets being elongated in a width dimension of the unit; plural weight bars configured to be received and retained in said pockets; wherein each pocket has an access opening via which a weight bar may be inserted into that pocket, said access opening being at a location spaced from the ends of the pocket such that the weight bar is longer than the length of a bottom portion of the pocket extending from the access opening to the bottom of the pocket.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein each pocket includes an elastic section at the upper edge of said access opening to permit the upper portion of the pocket to be stretched to receive and retain the upper portion of the weight bar.
 8. The device of claim 7 further comprising a cover flap pivotable between an open position in which the pockets are exposed and accessible and a closed position in which the pockets are covered and inaccessible.
 9. The device of claim 6 wherein portions of the wrap in contact with said limb are made from velvet soft material to minimize friction and provide warmth in the contacted limb area.
 10. A method of preventing inadvertent removal of a weighted bar from a weight receiving pocket in an adjustably weighted exercise device of the type wherein the weight bars may be selectively inserted into and removed from the pockets to adjust weight carried by the device, said method comprising the steps of: providing an access opening in said pocket at a location along the pocket sidewall between the pocket ends such that a lower portion of the pocket extending between the access opening and the bottom end of the pocket is shorter that the weight bars; and retaining a weight bar in the pocket with a top portion of the weight bar disposed between the access opening and the top end of the pocket.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: providing each pocket with an elastic section at the upper edge of said access opening; and stretching the upper portion of the pocket to receive and retain the upper portion of the weight bar. 